Wexford, Pa. – The Duquesne University men's tennis team opened Atlantic 10 play on Friday evening, grinding out a 4-3 victory over Fordham inside the Oxford Athletic Club. With the win, the Dukes improved to 6-7 overall and 1-0 in conference action.

The Dukes set the tone early by claiming the doubles point, winning at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots. The pairing of sophomores Enrique Lana and Aril Kayra Tuna secured a 6-4 victory, while junior Austin Lai and sophomore Teo Papadopoulos matched that scoreline to give Duquesne the early 1-0 advantage.

In singles, Duquesne showcased resilience in several pivotal matches. Lana delivered a standout performance at the top spot, battling through a three-set match (7-6, 1-6, 6-2) to earn a crucial point. Senior Alfrendo Vogelaar added another steady win at third singles in straight sets, and sophomore Tancredi Alfano proved clutch at No. 5 with a hard-fought 7-5, 7-5 victory that ultimately helped seal the team result.

Despite strong pushes from Fordham, including wins at the second and fourth slot, and a comeback at No. 6, the Dukes' earlier doubles success and three singles victories were enough to edge the Rams.

UP NEXT
Duquesne returns to the Oxford Athletic Club on Sunday, March 29, when it welcomes Dayton for another Atlantic 10 matchup.

Singles Competition
1. Enrique Lana (DUQM) def. Will Lokier (FOR) 7-6 (7-4), 1-6, 6-2
2. Dhillon Virde-Oakley (FOR) def. Aril Kayra Tuna (DUQM) 6-4, 6-3
3. Alfrendo Vogelaar (DUQM) def. Filip Horak (FOR) 6-4, 6-3
4. Dhananjay Athreya (FOR) def. Austin Lai (DUQM) 6-0, 6-3
5. Tancredi Alfano (DUQM) def. Diego Cueto (FOR) 7-5, 7-5
6. Nicolas Garnier (FOR) def. Teo Papadopoulos (DUQM) 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 6-2

Doubles Competition
1. Aril Kayra Tuna/Enrique Lana (DUQM) def. Dhillon Virde-Oakley/Dhananjay Athreya (FOR) 6-4
2. Austin Lai/Teo Papadopoulos (DUQM) def. Filip Horak/Nicolas Garnier (FOR) 6-4
3. Will Lokier/Mateusz Gradzki (FOR) def. Alfrendo Vogelaar/Pierce Manning (DUQM) 7-6 (7-5)